How Komos Turned One Of The Quickest-Rising Luxurious Tequilas

In a spirit class best-known for photographs and margaritas, it’s honest to say Komos will not be your common tequila.

Taking inspiration from European wine-making methods, the model’s ultra-luxurious tequilas are fairly merely a standout amongst its rivals; aged in nice French oak barrels, held in mantelpiece-worthy bottles, and retailing for over $130 every.

All of which has helped the model has grow to be one of many fastest-growing luxurious tequilas on the earth.

Since launching in 2017, Komos has not solely discovered success with shoppers, however earned a few of the highest accolades within the business, together with the primary and solely 100-point rating for tequila with its Tequila Komos Further Añejo.

No marvel its mum or dad firm, Casa Komos Manufacturers Group (CKBG), secured $15 million in funding final 12 months.

“I felt very gratified by the traders’ confidence in all of us,” says founder Richard Betts. “The funding spherical validated the arduous work, dedication, and strategic imaginative and prescient of the whole CKBG group.

“The capital has allowed us to broaden operations, rent new key members of the group, and additional set up our presence within the international tequila market.”

In fact, Komos has not been an in a single day success. Really, it’s the sum of Betts’ entrepreneurial elements.

The previous sommelier started his entrepreneurial journey along with his first wine firm, Betts & Scholl, in 2001, which was rapidly adopted by Scarpetta Wines.

Quickly after promoting each manufacturers in 2009, Betts turned his sights onto agave spirits, founding Sombra Mezcal and Astral tequila. Eight years on, he offered the businesses to Davos Manufacturers.

“I nonetheless make a little bit wine in the present day in Australia with my spouse, Carla Rza Betts, beneath the title An Strategy to Rest,” he says. “It’s a tiny mission however very expensive to our hearts.”

After transferring to Europe simply over six years in the past, Betts and his enterprise companion Joe Marchese realized it was troublesome to seek out high-quality tequila exterior of the US, and made it their private mission to make it simpler.

“We acknowledged the massive potential and under-appreciated high quality of tequila, and needed to introduce a brand new perspective to the worldwide tequila market,” he says.

Finally, they’d cracked the proper level of distinction: a tequila created utilizing superior blue agave from the highlands and lowlands of Tequila, roasted in a standard volcanic stone oven (which makes for a clarified, crystal-clear liquid), then double-distilled.

A finely-crafted tequila. One thing really distinctive to the market.

“We solely make issues that we actually wish to drink, so every is particular to me in its personal approach,” says Betts. “What units us aside probably the most is that whereas we use the very best degree of tequila making methods, we additionally incorporate Mediterranean winemaking strategies.

“Maybe most significantly, we age our tequila within the most interesting French oak wine barrels which impart stunning flavors, a novel depth and alluring softness.”

Right now, the model’s portfolio contains Komos Reposado Rosa (a wealthy pink tequila, paying homage to a French rosé), Komos Añejo Cristalino (Komos’ flagship expression, aged in French white wine barrels), Komos Añejo Reserva (the latest expression, masterfully blended in French oak wine and bourbon barrels, plus sherry casks, and Komos Further Añejo.

“If you happen to made me decide, this could be my favourite, because it represents the epitome of what tequila may be,” says Betts. “It’s aged for 3 years in French oak wine barrels and bourbon barrels, and drinks virtually like a Japanese whisky.”

Whereas an thrilling new expression is because of be unveiled later this 12 months, Betts is making large strikes behind the scenes, as properly.

The corporate appointed LVMH veteran Leslie Serrero as worldwide managing director final September, bringing helpful experience and clout to the model.

“Her understanding of the worldwide luxurious market and her strategic imaginative and prescient align with our targets for development and growth throughout the globe, particularly in Europe,” says Betts.

“Leslie’s appointment displays the model’s dedication to fostering strategic partnerships, accessing new markets, and solidifying its place as a frontrunner.”

CKBG additionally added Superbird, a ready-to-drink cocktail made with actual flocking tequila, and Dola Dira, a rhubard-infused aperitivo, to its enterprise portfolio in recent times.

“Our long run targets—for each CKBG as an entire and in addition for Komos—are in step with the place we began: to create one-of-a-kind hospitality merchandise that we wish to drink, and share them with folks world wide who respect good issues.”

Whereas Komos continues to develop within the US, the corporate has now set its sights on the remainder of the world. The model has just lately launched within the UK, UAE, Europe, Africa, and South America, with an Asian launch imminent.

And whereas altering shoppers’ notion of tequila as an inferior spirit comes with its personal challenges, Betts stays decided.

“We see this as an honor and a privilege to introduce this stunning spirit to extra folks world wide,” he says.

“Our precedence is getting commerce and hospitality on board, individuals who respect craftsmanship and really ‘get it’. They reply properly to our story—and if we’re in a position to have them style it, they grow to be our best advocates.”

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